Armorial bearings or Arms of a family or organization are generally
known as crests and also as coats of arms, they also take form as banners,
buntings and as decorations on shields. Some of these arms a reproduced
below for our research purpose's. For use of Scottish arms and crests to
comply with Scottish Law see What Are My Arms?

The Bethune / Beaton family in Scotland became hereditary rulers of
Balfour, the ruling Lord was known as Bethune of Balfour and later Beaton
of Balfour, (as the Beaton form of the name became more popular). The family
was also represented in Pitlochy and Coppeldrie or Capeldray in Fife by
the family of Archibold Bethune, father of Peter Bethune, who became doctor
to the Lord's of the Isles.

Other branches of the family were septs of the clans were they lived,
that is they swore allegiance to the clan chiefs and supported them in
maintaining the community. The Bethunes (Beatons) of Skye were associated
with the McDonalds and McLeods some of the tartans are reproduced below,
see Tartans.

Crests, shields and Arms

Early Bethune Coat of Arms

Shield of Baudewyn de Betune,

Lord of the manor of Skipton in Craven, brother of the Count of
Flanders and Count of Albemarle and Ile; who married Hawisa, Countess D'Albermarle

Shield of Robert de Betune,

bore, or, a lyon rampant sable;

Appears on the Camden Roll.

Shield of John de Betune,

bore, azure, on a chief argent a lion passant gules; Appears on
the Dering Roll.